Roadmap to start your first term

  1. 2026
    1. Jun
      1. Accept your offer

        June 1st, 2026, is the last day to accept your offer and begin studies in Fall (September) 2026.

      2. Submit your application for Campus Housing

        Submit the First-Year Guarantee Residence Application and non-refundable deposit by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 8, 2026. All students who submit this application and the deposit by June 8th are guaranteed a spot in residence in first year. If you missed the First-Year Guarantee Residence Application deadline, you can apply to the Vacancy Application to be next in line for available rooms.

    2. Jul
      1. Fall 2026 Course Selection Begins

        The course selection period runs from July 2nd to July 9th, 2026. During course selection, you are able to indicate all the courses you'd like to be enroled in for the upcoming term in Quest. We will select all of your required courses for you, but if your program has room for any electives, you will need to select them on your own during this time.

        To see which courses are required for our program and whether you need to select any courses, check out our Required Courses page and refer to your program in the Academic Calendar.

      2. Science Ready Day

        July 8th, 2026 is Science Ready Day. This is your official welcome to the University of Waterloo and your faculty community! 

      3. View your Fall 2026 Schedule

        Fall 2026 schedules will be available on Quest starting July 22rd, 2026. If you need to make changes, the Add/Drop Period Appointment runs from July 23rd to July 28th, 2026. During this time, you will be assigned an appointment time, which is your designated window to make schedule changes. Learn how to view your appointment time for the beginning of the Add/Drop Period.

    3. Aug
      1. Tuition and fees due

        You need to be 'fees arranged' for your Fall 2026 tuition fees by August 25th, 2026. If you have questions about your tuition fees than contact the Student Centre at askthecentre@uwaterloo.ca.

    4. Sep
      1. First-Year Orientation

        First-Year Orientation runs from September 3rd to September 12th, 2026. Orientation is a great opportunity to connect with peers, learn more about your program, and have fun! Questions about First-Year Orientation can be directed to orientation@uwaterloo.ca.

      2. First day of classes!

        Wednesday, September 9th, 2026, is the first day of class for Fall 2026.